Drug pipeline
Full profile accessExplore the programs pursuing this target and their development progress.
- Drug candidates
- Developers
- Development stage
Target intelligence / Profile preview
CifA and CifB protein (Wolbachia cytoplasmic incompatibility factor) (CifA, CifB)
- Target
- CifA, CifB
- Molecular classification
- Other (bacterial effector proteins, prophage-encoded factors), Enzyme (CifB: deubiquitylase or nuclease activity[1][2][7]), Toxin-antitoxin system (CifB = toxin, CifA = antidote)[4][6][7]
01
Overview
CifA and CifB are Wolbachia-encoded proteins responsible for cytoplasmic incompatibility in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. CifB (acting as toxin) modifies sperm chromatin in infected males, leading to embryonic death after fertilization of uninfected eggs. CifA (the antidote) rescues embryos when expressed maternally, neutralizing CifB toxicity. These proteins are used in vector control strategies to suppress mosquito populations and reduce transmission of pathogens such as dengue and Zika viruses. The CI mechanism involves aberrant histone-to-protamine exchange during spermiogenesis and subsequent chromatin defects in embryos lacking CifA-mediated rescue[3][4][5][6][7].
- Other names
- Wolbachia Cif proteinscytoplasmic incompatibility factor proteinsCI factors
02
Mechanism of action
CifB modifies paternal chromatin (histone-to-protamine transition) in sperm, resulting in sterility unless maternal CifA is present[3][4][5][6]. CifA binds CifB (in the embryo or egg) and rescues viability by neutralizing CifB toxicity[6][1][4].
03
Biological functions
Chromatin modification (alter histone-to-protamine transition in sperm[3][4][5])Induction/rescue of cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI)[3][4][5][6]Reproductive manipulation/sterility[3][4]
04
Disease associations
Infection (vector control, indirectly through Wolbachia)[3][4][5]Other (not directly involved in human disease; relevant for vector population control by limiting arbovirus transmission[3][4])
05
Safety considerations
Release of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes must be ecologically managed to prevent unintended population structure changes[3][4].Potential for resistance or reduced efficacy if Wolbachia fails to spread or maintain infection[3][4].
06
Interacting drugs
None known—CifA and CifB are not currently drugged targets; manipulation is achieved by genetic or microbial interventions[4].
07
Biomarkers
Wolbachia infection status in mosquitoes (presence of CifA/CifB genes/proteins)[4][3][5]
Beyond the preview
Go deeper on CifA and CifB protein (Wolbachia cytoplasmic incompatibility factor) (CifA, CifB).
Explore the evidence, development activity, and competitive landscape with Gosset’s full data platform.
Clinical trials
Full profile accessFollow the clinical studies evaluating therapies directed at this target.
- Trial design
- Status
- Readouts
Competitive landscape
Full profile accessCompare approaches across drug candidates, modalities, and indications.
- Programs
- Modalities
- Indications
Literature & evidence
Full profile accessInvestigate the research and source evidence behind target biology and development.
- Publications
- Sources
- Analysis
Patents
Full profile accessExplore patent activity around therapies and technologies addressing this target.
- Patents
- Assignees
- Technologies
Research & analysis
Full profile accessConnect target biology, drug development, and emerging evidence in your research.
- Biology
- Development news
- Analysis
Bring the full picture into focus.
See how Gosset can support your research on CifA and CifB protein (Wolbachia cytoplasmic incompatibility factor) (CifA, CifB).